Francis Joseph Paulus

Francis Joseph “Frank” Paulus, age 86, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on December 8, 2025, at EveryStep Hospice–Kavanagh House in Des Moines, with his family by his side.

Frank was born on October 31, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Frank Orville and Mary Joan (Grabin) Paulus. He was raised in Omaha, attending Creighton Prep and graduating in 1957. He continued his education at Creighton University, earning a bachelor’s degree in math and physics in 1962.

In 1967, Frank entered the United States Army, proudly serving his country and receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of Captain. The year before, in 1966, he married the love of his life, Eileen Imholte, in Leigh, Nebraska. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and countless cherished memories.

Frank was a devoted husband and a deeply proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved all sports and was a loyal fan of Creighton basketball and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He also enjoyed rooting for the Celtics, Steelers, Bears, and the Cubs. Whether traveling with Eileen or cheering on his grandchildren at their many sporting events, Frank found great joy in being actively involved in the lives of those he loved.

He played piano, enjoyed TV westerns and black-and-white movies, and had a special fondness for the many dogs he and Eileen welcomed through the years. Frank also loved golfing, bowling, and softball, and he took pride in coaching each of his children in their youth sports activities.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Paulus; his children: Pat Paulus, Rob (Kris) Paulus, Mike (Terri) Paulus, Mary (Chuck) Koger, and Tim (Merenciana) Paulus; his grandchildren: Jake (Jen Weaver) Paulus, Zach Paulus, Nick (Jillian) Paulus, Jessica (Dom Mindrum) Paulus, Josh (Katherine Lewis) Paulus, Caleb (Mia Fogle) Paulus, Samuel Paulus, Anna Paulus, Alex Heckman, Jacqui Koger, and Teagan Paulus; and his great-grandchildren: Kyler, Korbin, and Cecilia Paulus.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Helen Tracy and Mary Concannon.

Services: Visitation will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines at 9:30 am Burial with military honors will follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. A luncheon will be provided at St. Francis of Assisi after the burial.

Frank will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his warm spirit, and a lifetime of stories, laughter, and dedication. His legacy lives on in all who knew and loved him.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Everystep Hospice-Kavanagh House, for the excellent care they provided Frank and the family, or to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com